obama's performance. he looks good. >> welcome to "cbs this morning saturday," i'm anthony mason. >> and i'm venita meyer. >>> the lighting of the christmas tree became the celebration of the life of nelson mandela. >> senior white house correspondent bill plant joins us with more on that. >> reporter: good morning, well washington has temporarily put aside its usual battles over health care and the budget to pay tribute to nelson mandela. but as you mentioned, there was one annual presidential tradition yesterday, which did not go unobserved. >> three, two, one -- [ cheers and applause ] >> reporter: president obama joined by his family pushed the button to bathe the national christmas tree in a warm holiday glow. and later remembered the man he says has been a major inspiration. >> and this year we give a special measure of gratitude for nelson mandela a man who championed that generosity of spirit. in his life he blessed us with tremendous grace and unbelievable courage. and we are all privileged to li